his insolence." And so he passed proudly out. As he went through the town the people knelt to ask his blessing, for they loved him on account of his charities.

After this Becket feared that even his life was not safe. That night he dressed himself as a simple monk, and with three companions he fled away through the dark. After wandering for three weeks in byways and meeting many perils he escaped in a ship to France. Once there, the danger was over for a time; and the King of France received him with great honour and treated him very kindly. For six years Becket stayed in France. Then at last the Pope made peace between him and Henry II. The King and the Archbishop had a meeting in France. Becket threw himself at the King's feet, but Henry himself raised him, and they spoke together in the most friendly way. A little while afterwards Becket went back to England, and was joyfully welcomed at Canterbury. But he soon showed that he did. not mean to change his conduct, and when news was brought to Henry, who was then in France, of the things which Becket was doing, he fell into a furious passion, and said, "Of the cowards who eat my bread, is there no one who will free me from this unruly priest." Four knights who heard these angry words, thinking to gain favour with the King, set off in haste for England.

A few days after Becket was doing business in his private room at Canterbury, when he was told that four knights wished to speak with him from the King. They came in and spoke to him with such violent and insulting threats that it was easy to

see they meant to do him harm. Becket showed no fear, and when they went out to seek their arms, he took his seat as if nothing had happened. Those who were with him were filled with despair. It was the hour of evening prayer, and they heard the service beginning in the choir. Then some one exclaimed, "To the church! there will be safety there." But Becket said he would stay where he was. In a few moments they heard that the knights were in the garden, and were forcing their way into the house through a window. They could be heard breaking down a wooden screen that was in their way. Becket's followers, full of terror, would wait no longer, and bore their master by force into the cathedral. They closed and barred the door after they were in, for they could already see the murderers pursuing them. Becket walked quietly along the cathedral to go to his favourite chapel. As he went, he heard the cries of the knights, who demanded to be let in. He at once ordered that the doors should be opened, for he said that no one should be kept out of the house of God. His followers in terror hid behind the pillars or under the altars. Becket himself turned to meet his enemies, leaning with his back against a pillar. The knights, followed by a wild mob, rushed into the church with drawn swords. It was growing dark, and they could hardly see. "Where is the traitor?" they shouted. Becket's voice answered through the gloom, "Behold me, no traitor, but a priest of God." They turned upon him in fury. Some tried to drag him from the cathedral, but Becket clung to a pillar, and one of his clerks helped him by holding him

fast round the waist. Then blow after blow was aimed at his head. As he felt the blood trickling down his face, he crossed his hands, and bent his head in prayer, saying, "Lord, receive my spirit." With many blows they killed him, and left him lying there on the pavement, whilst they went to plunder his palace.

When Henry II. heard of this dreadful deed he was filled with grief and shame. Every one blamed him, and he had to try and show the world how sorry he was. He came to Canterbury and walked fasting and barefoot through the city till he reached Becket's tomb. There he knelt, and, resting his forehead against the tomb, bade the monks lash his bare shoulders. When they saw him humble himself like this, the clergy were satisfied that he was truly sorry and they were willing to forget his share in the guilt of Becket's murder.

XV.

KING RICHARD'S ESCAPE FROM THE TURKS.

A. D. 1191.

RICHARD the Lion-hearted was the son of Henry II., and became king after his father's death. He was a famous warrior, and loved fighting and adventures better than making laws and caring for the good government of his people. In those days many brave warriors from all lands went to the

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